NanoViricides (NYSE-A:NNVC) shares have gained nearly 20% this week after news that it has begun evaluating its clinical-stage antiviral NV-387 for the treatment of measles, a disease with no currently approved drug treatment.
“A drug for measles is at present a completely missing link in the response to measles virus outbreak,” said Anil Diwan, executive chairman of NanoViricides said in a statement earlier this week. “Viral spread cannot be contained without an effective drug to minimize illness and stop the virus transmission from the patients.”
NV-387, which has completed Phase I human trials with no reported adverse events, mimics heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), a molecule used by viruses such as measles and RSV to infect cells. The drug acts as a decoy to disable the virus. In animal models, NV-387 has shown efficacy against RSV, COVID-19, Influenza, and Mpox.
CFO Meeta Vyas told Proactive that the company is unaffected by tariffs since all of its operations are in Connecticut.
"The changed priorities at HHS and USDA are good for NanoViricides," Vyas said.
The company plans laboratory studies to assess NV-387’s effectiveness against measles in cell cultures and animal models. However, it said additional studies are not required for physicians to seek use of the drug under the FDA’s “Emergency Expanded Access for an Individual Patient” program.
The CDC has reported 712 confirmed measles cases in the US this year, including three deaths. At least 3% of cases occurred in vaccinated individuals.
“Without a drug, there is no help for the patients, and the virus continues to expand its reach, in spite of increased vaccination campaigns,” said Diwan. “The leading scientists should support our efforts at developing NV-387 and enabling a true victory over the measles virus, rather than merely clamoring about the vaccine.”
NanoViricides said NV-387’s mechanism of action could remain effective even as viruses mutate.